In 1990, when I____(be) nine years old, I wanted very much to find____pen friend. I found Ashley's address in a magazine, and decided____(write) to her.

    I sent off my letter with a little hope. Very quickly, I received her letter.____my surprise, Ashley was only one month ____ (old) than me. I learned some new expressions from her. I ____(real) liked this new friend.

    Letter after letter, year after year, Ashley and I continued to write to one another. A letter would be received and I'd write back right away. We would send each other birthday and Christmas ____(gift).

    Eight years later, my parents decided it was time____me to meet this friend. They drove me down to Mississippi for a few days. We____(have) a fun time together. We did the things that teenage girls love to do.

    Twenty-five years after the____(one) letter, Ashley and I still have an amazing friendship. Although we don't write letters now, we communicate through mobile phones and the Internet.